My personal recommendations for what to experience in the Hunter Valley

These vineyards are well-known, and you may find their wines at your local bottle shop. If you're already familiar with their labels, why not visit in person and enjoy a hands-on tasting experience in the heart of the Hunter Valley?

Petersons House

Famous for its exceptional sparkling wines, Petersons House offers elegant, easy-to-drink selections that are refreshing without being overpowering. A must-visit for sparkling wine lovers in the Hunter Valley.
👉 Visit their website

Pooles Rock

Known for its crisp and refreshing white wines, Pooles Rock offers smooth options that appeal even to those who don’t usually prefer white wine. A refined stop for wine tasting in the Hunter Valley.
👉 Visit their website

De Iuliis Wines

De Iuliis offers a diverse selection of both red and white wines, catering to a wide range of palates. From bold reds to smooth whites, this family-run winery is a standout in the Hunter Valley region.
👉 Visit their website

Many of these vineyards are small, boutique producers whose wines aren’t available in bottle shops. To truly appreciate their unique flavours and craftsmanship, you’ll need to visit in person. Here in the heart of the Hunter Valley, you can meet the passionate winemakers themselves and witness the dedication they pour into every bottle. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that goes beyond tasting—it's about connecting with the story behind the wine.

The Hunter Wine Lab
The Hunter Wine Lab offers an impressive selection of wines, including reds, whites, and a standout Prosecco. Many of their wines are oak-aged, delivering rich, complex flavours. In addition to wine, they also produce small-batch craft beer, which I’ve personally tried—and it’s definitely worth a taste.
👉 Visit their website

Lucy’s Run
Lucy’s Run is home to award-winning wines that are smooth, easy to drink, and perfect for any occasion. Their range includes both red and white wines, as well as delightful sweet varieties—a personal favourite of mine. Beyond wine, they produce their own olive oil using olives grown on-site, along with caramelised balsamic vinegar and spice blends. This boutique vineyard is a must-visit in the Hunter Valley.
👉 Visit their website

The Parched Crow
Known for its diverse wine offerings, The Parched Crow is especially notable for its Chardonnay. They also offer a chilled red—an uncommon and refreshing option in the Hunter Valley. If you're a fan of Moscato, this is the place to visit.
👉 Visit their website

Vinden Estate
Vinden Estate specialises in soft, dry-style wines that are both elegant and refreshing. Their selection includes bold reds with rich flavours, perfect for those who enjoy a fuller-bodied wine. I thoroughly enjoyed tasting their range and highly recommend a visit for anyone exploring boutique vineyards in the Hunter Valley.
👉 Visit their website

IronBark Hill Brewhouse
Offering beer, wine, gin, and delicious wood-fired pizza, IronBark Hill is a fantastic all-round option in the Hunter Valley. Due to its popularity, reservations are recommended — the food, especially the pizza, often sells out quickly, which speaks to its quality. 👉 Visit their website here

4 Pines Brewery at The Farm
Located near IronBark Hill, 4 Pines Brewery serves up their well-known range of beers alongside a full restaurant menu. It’s a favourite among tourists and a great stop for anyone looking to enjoy craft beer and quality food in a relaxed setting. 👉 Visit their website here

Restaurant 19
A favourite among both locals and tourists, Restaurant 19 offers a relaxed sports bar atmosphere and an extensive restaurant menu, including takeaway options. 👉 Visit their website here

Blaxland Inn
If you’re craving a quality steak, Blaxland Inn is the place to go. I personally recommend the Tomahawk steak — it was exceptional and reasonably priced, especially for an upmarket area like the Hunter Valley. 👉 Visit their website here

EXP. Restaurant
For a fine-dining experience that truly showcases the best of the Hunter Valley, EXP. is a must. With a degustation-style menu and outstanding food, it’s perfect for celebrating a special occasion. 👉 Visit their website here

Rusty Jacks

A popular stop for both locals and travellers, Rusty Jacks serves freshly made pies, sausage rolls, and barista coffee — all available for takeaway. With convenient on-site seating and a car park, this small food van has built a loyal following thanks to its great service and consistently positive feedback. 👉 Click here to visit the website

The Smelly Cheese Shop

More than just a destination for cheese lovers, The Smelly Cheese Shop also offers delicious takeaway food options. It's a convenient and flavour-packed stop, ideal before heading off to your next wine tasting experience. 👉 Click here to visit the website

Taste of the Country Café

Located at the Hunter Belle Cheese Company, Taste of the Country Café serves hearty and satisfying meals in a relaxed country setting. Whether you choose to dine in before your cheese tasting or opt for a takeaway, the food is both delicious and generously portioned. 👉 Click here to visit the website

Binnorie Dairy

Renowned for producing some of the finest soft cheeses in the Hunter Valley, Binnorie Dairy is a must-visit for cheese enthusiasts. From their creamy triple cream brie to their signature marinated feta, every product is crafted using traditional methods and local ingredients. Visitors can enjoy complimentary cheese tastings on-site, making it a perfect stop for food lovers. 👉 Click here to visit the website

Hunter Belle Cheese Factory

Hunter Belle Cheese Factory offers a delicious range of artisan cheeses made from high-quality, locally sourced milk. Their Pokolbin location features a relaxed café, cheese tasting options, and a gourmet retail space where you can pick up locally made produce. It’s a great spot to unwind and indulge in rich, handcrafted flavours. 👉 Click here to visit the website

The Smelly Cheese Shop

A beloved destination in the Hunter Valley, The Smelly Cheese Shop offers an extensive selection of Australian and international cheeses, along with gourmet accompaniments like olives, cured meats, and chutneys. Whether you're putting together a picnic or sourcing gifts for food lovers, this shop is a cheese-lover’s paradise. 👉 Click here to visit the website

Hunter Valley Wildlife Park

Discover a family-friendly wildlife experience at Hunter Valley Wildlife Park, home to a wide variety of native Australian animals and exotic species. Get up close with kangaroos, koalas, and even lions in an intimate, hands-on environment perfect for all ages. A must-visit attraction for animal lovers visiting the Hunter Valley. 👉 Click here to visit the website

Horse Riding in the Hunter Valley

Explore the scenic countryside of the Hunter Valley on horseback. Guided horse riding tours take you through picturesque vineyards, rolling hills, and bushland trails, offering a unique and peaceful way to experience the natural beauty of the region. 👉 Click here to visit the website

Hunter Valley Aqua Golf & Putt Putt

Perfect your swing and enjoy some family-friendly fun at Hunter Valley Aqua Golf and Putt Putt. With great prizes to be won and stunning views of the surrounding vineyards, this activity is perfect for both beginners and golf enthusiasts visiting the region. 👉 Click here to visit the website

Hunter Valley Gardens

Wander through over 60 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens at the award-winning Hunter Valley Gardens. Featuring themed garden displays, seasonal events, and tranquil walking paths, this iconic attraction is ideal for couples, families, and photography lovers alike. 👉 Click here to visit the website

Electric Bike Hire – Hunter Valley

Effortlessly cruise between vineyards, cellar doors, and scenic trails with electric bike hire in the Hunter Valley. It’s an eco-friendly, fun, and flexible way to explore the region at your own pace while taking in the breathtaking countryside. 👉 Click here to visit the website

Scenic Helicopter Rides – Hunter Valley

Take to the skies and witness the Hunter Valley from a whole new perspective with a scenic helicopter ride. Enjoy panoramic views of rolling vineyards, lush farmland, and historic estates—a thrilling and unforgettable experience for all ages. 👉 Click here to visit the website

Flight Experiences – Hunter Valley Adventure

Flight Experiences – Hunter Valley Adventure

Take to the skies and experience the Hunter Valley from a thrilling new perspective with a range of flight adventures. From scenic joy flights to introductory flying lessons, these experiences offer breathtaking aerial views of vineyards, valleys, and countryside—all guided by professional pilots. Ideal for thrill-seekers and those looking to tick off a bucket-list adventure. 👉 Click here to visit the website